Federal prosecutors have obtained Barry Bonds’ medical files as part of their investigation into whether the slugger perjured himself when he said he never knowingly used steroids, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Saturday.
Two people familiar with the probe told the newspaper that the U.S. Attorney’s office received the medical records Wednesday in response to a subpoena issued to the Giants. The sources requested anonymity because of the investigation’s sensitivity.
U.S. Atty. Kevin Ryan said Thursday his office still was pursuing an “ongoing steroid-related investigation” even though a federal grand jury considering possible perjury and tax-evasion charges against Bonds expired that day without an indictment.
Extra innings
Astros pitcher Brandon Backe came off the disabled list, where he had been since April 13 with a sprained right elbow, to make his first start in more than three months, giving up four runs, four hits and four walks in four innings of Houston’s 4-3 loss to the Mets. . . . Russ Ortiz was dropped from the Orioles rotation one day after failing to retire any of the six batters he faced.
